Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon.
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge is a network of lands bordering the Oregon and Washington shore lines of the Columbia River. Comprised of five units—three in Washington and two in Oregon—the refuge's 23,555 acres offer a broad collection of habitats, and thus species. Natural and managed wetlands, mixed with native shrub-steppe, provide homes for an abundance of Columbia Basin species.
Providing waterfowl habitat is a major focus of the refuge, but many other species call the place home throughout the year. Spring and fall migration are exciting times to visit the refuge. In the spring, many species come to nest, including burrowing owls and long-billed curlews. Many species of songbirds can be seen and heard within the wetlands—marsh wrens, yellow-headed blackbirds, red-winged
blackbirds and white pelicans arrive with the spring and linger on into the summer season. Summers are warm here, frequently reaching temperatures of over 100 degrees, causing many wildlife species to quietly spend their days
hiding out waiting for cooler morning and evening temperatures.
The refuge shines brightest in the winter as thousands of waterfowl make their return, spending the winter foraging, resting and preparing for the upcoming nesting season. The sharp calls of Canada geese can be heard reverberating on the crisp winter air, with the quack of mallards and the whistle of a pintail blending in.
The Boardman Unit is accessed from the Tower Road exit off Highway 84 approximately 3 miles west of the town of Boardman, Oregon. The McCormack Unit is located 3 miles south of Highway 730 off of Patterson Ferry Road near Irrigon, Oregon. The Patterson, Ridge, and Whitcomb Island units are all accessed from Highway 14 in Washington. The Columbia River portion is accessible by boat. Boat ramps are located in Irrigon and Umatilla, Oregon; in Plymouth, Washington; and on the Patterson Unit in Washington. Most areas of the refuge are very remote with no restroom or drinking water facilities. There is no public drinking water available. Refuge visitors should plan their trips accordingly.
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